Principal placed on administrative leave

Tom Cawcutt, principal of Barnum Elementary School, was placed on paid administrative leave on Thursday, December 7, after a complaint was filed against him. The nature of the complaint was not disclosed. The complaint is under investigation.

"The issue is under investigation, just like a police officer is under investigation after discharging a weapon," said Superintendent Dave Bottem in a telephone interview last week. "The school board will be discussing the issue at the December 19 school board meeting in a closed session."

A letter was sent to the parents that stated Scott Anderson, the former principal and superintendent of Willow River School, is the interim elementary principal at Barnum.